Mandatory e-data Exchange to be Adopted by Facilitation Committee

The Facilitation Committee, meeting this week (4-8 April), is expected to adopt mandatory requirements for the electronic exchange of information on cargo, crew and passengers as part of a revised and modernized annex to the 1965 Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL).

Important proposed changes in the revised Annex include the introduction of a new standard relating to the obligation of public authorities to establish systems for the electronic exchange of information, within a period of three years after the adoption of the amendments.

The Committee will also receive an update on the IMO maritime single window project and will consider developing voluntary maritime cybersecurity guidelines, including best practices, in order to protect the maritime transport network from cyber threats.

Other matters on the agenda include revised guidelines on the use of electronic certificates and proposed amendments to the procedures for port State control, to include references to electronic certificates. IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim opened the Committee, which is being chaired by newly-elected chairman Mr. Yuri Melenas (Russian Federation).